Arsenal can still come second, claims Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger has set his sights on an optimistic second-place finish in the Premier League after Arsenal’s weekend win over Aston Villa.

The Gunners continued their good run of league form by snatching a late 2-1 victory thanks to Santi Cazorla’s double, which takes them within a point of fourth-placed Spurs, who have a game in hand.

But with the two north London giants set to lock horns next weekend, Wenger insists his team can even overtake Manchester City and Chelsea, who lie second and third, nine and two points ahead of the Gunners respectively.

‘I’m not sure it will only be a fight with Tottenham,’ Wenger said. ‘I’m not sure the other places are not reachable.

‘Chelsea are just ahead and even Man City is not out of reach. It could be a tight fight until the end.’

On the up: Arsene Wenger points the way (Picture: EPA)

After a testing week, Wenger hopes the much-needed win over Villa will restore a sense of calm and normality to the Arsenal camp after they were dumped out of the FA Cup and stand on the cusp of Champions League elimination.

‘I hope this gives us a bit more quietness for us to prepare our next game. It was a very important day for Arsenal Football Club,’ Wenger added.

‘I am very happy for the players because they have a good attitude and want to do well.

‘We went through some difficult times so it was important first to show that we are united, determined and focused to win the game, and we were.

‘We were a bit nervous – I concede that – because we are a lot under pressure, we had our backs to the wall and had to win the game.’